Free Government Public Record Sites

The links below lead to government agencies that provide free online record searching and access to
public record information. This data is taken directly from The Public Record Research System (PRRS).

Keep in mind these important truths about searching online public records provided by government agencies:

More than 25% of state and county government agencies do not provide public records online.

Less than 50% of the courts provide online/onsite search equivalency to docket lookups.

Government sites can be free or fee-based. Generally, the fee-based sites are much more robust.

Most free government public record name search sites contain no personal identifiers beyond the name. This
can be a problem when researching a common name.

Often the searchable and viewable information found online is limited to name indexes and summary data rather than document images. Most access sites – especially those that are free – permit the former and not the latter. While online portals can be a quick path to viewable or downloadable record data, they often are merely conduits to view a record index.
To view the actual records, one must usually place an order to receive document images.

Drivers may verify the status of their MA License or ID. The screen indicates the class/type and status, expiration date, method of next renewal (online or in person), and if the licensee has outstanding obligations associated with the MA License/Permit or ID number provided. No personal information is displayed at this site.